Van Kuren Trail Construction Completed
New Footbridge
New Shelter
Wisconsin River Power Company recently completed construction on a new hiking/ski trail adjacent to the Petenwell Flowage. The trail, known as the Van Kuren Trail, is a required recreation facility in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license to operate the hydroelectric project. The installation was actually a relocation of the existing facility. Much of the original trail system was located outside of the hydroelectric project boundary. The trail was moved in order to be completely located within the project boundary and facilitate the divestiture of non-project lands that the original trail was located on.
The work included the development of 3.2 miles of new hiking trails with scenic views of the Petenwell Flowage. The route travels through a variety of different habitat types, increasing the opportunity for wildlife observation. The trail also passes an existing wildlife observation tower, where hikers and skiers can take a break. New additions to the trail included construction of a new warming shelter for winter users and construction of a foot bridge across a small stream. Finally, new interpretive signs were installed along the route.
A regular user of the original trail stated, "I recently took a hike on the new trail located south of Browndeer Avenue and was really impressed by the new footbridge. I didn't last long on the trail due to the horseflies, but it is a nice trail. Thanks."